Judiciary protector of good governance: CM Yogi Adityanath

The CM highlighted that Uttar Pradesh is home to the country’s largest High Court, with benches in Prayagraj and Lucknow, calling it a matter of prestige for the state. He praised the 102-year-old Judicial Service Association for its contributions, expressing confidence that judicial officers would continue to set new benchmarks of unity and efficiency.

Adityanath underlined the importance of timely and affordable justice, informing that in 2024, 72 lakh cases were disposed of in district and trial courts. However, with over 1.15 crore cases still pending, he acknowledged the challenge and emphasised, “The faster our pace, the stronger will be the public’s confidence. The government is ready to cooperate at every level.”

Referring to the new criminal laws—the BNS, Indian Civil Defense Code, and Indian Evidence Act—implemented from July 1, 2024, the CM praised judicial officers for their swift adaptation. He said the new framework focuses on a robust justice delivery system rather than punishment and will prove a milestone in strengthening both judiciary and democracy.

Referring to the government’s initiatives regarding the allocations for infrastructure and facilities, Yogi informed that the government has sanctioned extensive funds for the High Court, including Rs 62.41 crore for residences of Justices in Prayagraj, Rs 117 crore for the Lucknow Bench, and Rs 99 crore for officers and staff housing. In-principle approval has also been given for 896 residential units in Prayagraj, along with Rs 112.06 crore for a commercial block and Rs 44.91 crore for the preservation of the Allahabad High Court’s heritage building.

In addition, he added, Rs 1,645 crore has been sanctioned for setting up integrated court complexes in 10 districts, with work already underway in six. These complexes will house district courts, family courts, commercial courts, and motor accident claim tribunals under one roof.

The CM informed that 381 POCSO and fast-track courts have been established. To further strengthen judicial infrastructure, funds of Rs 148 crore in 2023–24, Rs 239 crore in 2024–25, and over Rs 75 crore in 2025–26 have been released with central support for construction of courtrooms and residential facilities.

The CM said Uttar Pradesh has fully implemented the Second National Judicial Pay Commission, sanctioning Rs 1,092.37 crore for the purpose. For judicial training and welfare, allocations include Rs 54.28 crore for a 400-bedded hostel, Rs 14.22 crore for a sports complex, and additional funds for lecture halls, an auditorium, and administrative buildings at the Judicial Training and Research Institute in Lucknow. He added that over Rs 387 crore has been sanctioned for Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj, while 110 Gram Nyayalayas (village courts) have been made functional across the state.

The CM said work is underway on an interoperable criminal justice system integrating e-courts, e-policing, e-prisons, e-prosecution, and e-forensics. Use of data analytics and AI will help reduce pendency and accelerate justice delivery.

He also announced air-conditioners for all district judges’ chambers and sanctioned Rs 20 crore for CCTV, fire safety, and other security upgrades in district courts. He also gave in-principle consent for outsourcing disposal clerks to reduce case backlogs.

The conference was attended by Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Justice Arun Bhansali, Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, Justice Rajan Rai, Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan, senior office-bearers of the Judicial Service Association, retired judges, and judicial officers from across the state.